Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
BYZANTINE MUSEUM
From the fall of Rome in 476 to the fall of Constantinople in 1453, the Byz-
antine Empire dominated the Mediterranean region. The mysterious and
wealthy Orthodox Church was the most important political and artistic in-
fluence in Byzantium, leaving behind a vast legacy. This world-renowned
collection embraces 15,000 objects taken from that fascinating period.
Va-
silissis Sofias 22 • 210 721 1027 •
www.byzantinemuseum.gr
• Metro:
Evangelismos • May-Oct: 1:30-8pm Mon, 8am-8pm Tue-Sun; Nov-Apr:
8:30am-3pm Tue-Sun • Times are subject to change, call ahead to con-
firm • Adm €4 (students free)
Google Map
1. ORPHEUS PLAYING A LYRE
Orpheus is surrounded by animals, creating an allegory of Christ and his followers.
This transmutation of ancient pagan myths into the new religion of Christianity was
an essential element of Byzantine art.
2. SHEPHERD CARRYING A LAMB
This 4th-century marble sculpture is also a Christian allegory with pagan roots.
Though the shepherd is meant to be Christ, the image is taken directly from an Ar-
chaic sculpture found on the Acropolis of a man bringing a calf to be sacrificially
slaughtered to the goddess Athena.
3. ICON OF ARCHANGEL MICHAEL
Set in a glowing field of gold, this 14th-century icon from Constantinople depicts the
Archangel with a sceptre and an orb, symbolic of the terrestrial world.
View photo
4. MANUSCRIPT COLLECTION
The highlight of this collection is a 14th- century imperial document issued by Em-
peror Andronicus II. The top of the scroll bears a miniature showing the emperor
himself handing a document to Christ, while at the bottom, the emperor's signature
appears in red ink.
